Imagine building a rewarding career surrounded by the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture of Greece. As the country continues its economic growth, it has opened its doors wider than ever to skilled professionals, remote workers, and entrepreneurs from around the globe.
The Greece Work Visa program offers a structured and accessible pathway for non-EU nationals to not only work but also to build a life in this beautiful Mediterranean nation, with options ranging from traditional employment to innovative residency-by-investment.
This guide will navigate you through the diverse opportunities available. The key benefits are compelling: the chance to live and work in the Schengen Area, a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other EU countries, and a clear route to long-term residency and family reunification.
The requirements vary by visa type but generally include a valid job offer, proof of financial stability, comprehensive health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Whether you are a tech professional, a seasonal worker in tourism, or a digital nomad, Greece has a visa designed for your ambitions.
Read Also: Greece Digital Nomad Visa – Work in Greece
What is the Greece Work Visa?
The Greece Work Visa is a permit that allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Greece for a specific period, depending on the type of visa they apply for. The visa combines both a housing permit and a work permit into one document. As a member of the Schengen Area, Greece offers excellent opportunities for people who want to work in industries like technology, agriculture, tourism, and more.
Types of Greece Work Visas in 2025:
- Greece Employment Visa
- Purpose: This visa is for individuals who have secured a full-time job with a Greek employer. The employer must provide proof that no suitable candidate exists within the EU before hiring a non-EU citizen.
- Eligibility: You must have a signed employment contract with a Greek employer that is valid for at least one year.
- Requirements:
- A job contract with a Greek employer.
- Proof of qualifications and skills for the position.
- Financial proof to support yourself and any dependents.
- Valid passport (at least three months beyond the visa’s expiry).
- Health insurance covering the duration of the visa.
- Application Process:
- Submit your visa application at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country.
- After receiving approval, you can enter Greece and apply for a residence permit.
- Processing Time: Typically 30 days after submission.
- Greece Seasonal Work Visa
- Purpose: This visa is ideal for individuals who want to work in Greece for a limited time, typically in agriculture, tourism, or hospitality, during the busy seasons.
- Eligibility: The applicant must have a job offer for a seasonal role and meet the requirements set by the Greek government.
- Requirements:
- Job contract for a seasonal role (usually for up to six months).
- Proof of accommodation in Greece.
- A valid passport.
- Proof of health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Proof that you will return to your home country at the end of the seasonal period.
- Application Process:
- Apply at a Greek embassy or consulate, providing all required documentation.
- Once in Greece, apply for the residence permit, which allows you to work for the duration of your contract.
- Processing Time: Approximately 30 days.
- Greece Self-Employed Visa
- Purpose: This visa is for individuals who wish to start their own business or become self-employed in Greece. It allows for greater flexibility in terms of the type of employment.
- Eligibility: You need to demonstrate that you have the financial resources and a clear business plan to start a venture in Greece.
- Requirements:
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself and any dependents.
- A detailed business plan outlining your venture.
- Relevant professional qualifications or experience.
- Proof of accommodation in Greece.
- Health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay.
- Application Process:
- Submit your application with detailed documentation proving your financial stability and business plan.
- After approval, you will receive a residence permit that also acts as a work permit for your self-employment activities.
- Processing Time: The process may take longer than other visa types due to the requirement of detailed business plans and financial assessments.
- Greece Digital Nomad Visa (Nomad Visa)
- Purpose: For individuals who work remotely for a company outside Greece and wish to live in Greece while continuing their job abroad.
- Eligibility: You do not need a job offer from a Greek employer, but you must prove that you can financially support yourself while living in Greece.
- Requirements:
- Proof of a stable income (typically at least €3,500/month).
- Evidence of remote work or freelance contracts.
- Valid passport and health insurance.
- Accommodation in Greece.
- Application Process:
- Apply through the Greek embassy or consulate, providing documentation of your remote work and income.
- Processing Time: Typically takes around 30 days.
- Greece Golden Visa Program (Residence by Investment)
- Purpose: Aimed at non-EU citizens who wish to invest in Greece by purchasing property or making other qualifying investments. This program allows investors and their families to live in Greece with the potential for citizenship after seven years.
- Eligibility: You must invest at least €250,000 in Greek real estate or meet other investment criteria.
- Requirements:
- Proof of investment (e.g., property deed, business investment).
- Health insurance and proof of accommodation.
- Application for residency through the Golden Visa program.
- Application Process:
- Submit your application through the Greek government’s investment immigration program, which will include property purchase or other qualifying investments.
- Processing Time: This process may take a few months due to the complexity of investment verification.
Greece Work Visa Requirements (General):
To apply for any type of work visa for Greece, you must meet several key requirements:
- Job Contract: A valid job contract with a Greek employer (for Employment, Seasonal, or Digital Nomad Visas).
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the expiration of your visa.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
- Proof of Accommodation: Documentation of where you will live while in Greece.
- Police Record: A police clearance certificate from your home country to show that you have no criminal history.
- Proof of Financial Stability: Demonstrating that you can support yourself financially during your stay (especially for the Digital Nomad and Self-Employed Visas).
- Medical Fitness: Proof that you are in good health.
Benefits
1. Demand for Foreign Workers
- Greece is experiencing labor shortages in tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and construction, which increases the odds of foreigners getting hired.
2. Visa Sponsorship by Employers
- Many Greek firms are authorized to sponsor work visas, which makes the procedure easier for non-EU nationals.
3. Opportunity for Residency
- After five years of legal labor and stay, you may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit.
- Provides a pathway to Greek citizenship after several years of lawful stay.
4. Family Reunification
- You may bring your spouse and children after obtaining legal employment.
- Family members may have access to healthcare and education in Greece.
5. Affordable Living Costs
- Greece is more economical than other EU countries, with reduced rental, food, and transportation prices.
6. Access to EU Job Market
- A Greek work visa permits you to lawfully work and live in the EU Schengen Zone, with the possibility of obtaining EU Long-Term Resident Status.
7. Social Security Benefits
- Legal workers in Greece are eligible for:
- Healthcare
- Pension contributions
- Unemployment insurance
8. Relaxed Requirements for Unskilled Jobs
- Many unskilled or seasonal occupations may not require a university degree or advanced skills, making Greece more attractive to overseas job seekers.
The Greece Work Visa Application Process:
- Find a Job in Greece:
- Job searching in Greece can be done through several reputable websites:
- Submit Your Visa Application:
- Once you’ve secured a job, gather the necessary documents and submit them to the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country.
- After your application is processed, you will be notified of the decision. If approved, you will receive your visa, allowing you to enter Greece.
- Apply for Residence Permit:
- After arriving in Greece, you will need to apply for a residence permit at the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
- You must submit all required documentation, including your job contract, passport, and proof of health insurance.
Conclusion:
Greece offers a range of work visa options for individuals looking to live and work in this beautiful country. From the standard employment visa to unique options like the Digital Nomad Visa and the Golden Visa Program, there are opportunities for a wide variety of applicants. Ensure you meet the specific requirements for each visa type and prepare your application with all necessary documents to increase your chances of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the requirements for a Greek Work Visa?
For a Greek Work Visa, you need a valid passport, proof that you are medically fit, trip medical insurance, and a police record. You must also sign the job contract and fill out the D visa form completely.
What is the processing time for a Greece Work Visa?
The processing time for a Greece Work Visa is approximately 30 days from the date of application submission.
How long does it take to get a working visa for Greece?
Your application must be filed to the authority that issued your most recent/previous residence permit, and you must satisfy all applicable criteria. The decision must be made within six months, but it may be postponed for additional three months.
